History & Purpose

History of the New London Garden Club

 

The New London Garden Club was founded in October, 1928, with 24 members and Dr. Anna Littlefield – a physician, gardener and botanical artist – as its first president.

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The purpose of the Club was to assist in the maintenance of the garden recently designed and planted at the library by the world-renowned firm, Olmsted Brothers Landscape Architects. The planting of the grounds was part of Jane Tracy’s generous gift to the Town of New London for its first library building and community center. Today, the Garden at Tracy Library is an independent organization maintained by volunteers from the Garden Club and the community under the direction of a professional gardener.

 

During the Club’s early years, it was known for the remarkable flower shows that funded the Club’s ever-expanding civic beautification program. For many years, the Club's major fundraiser was an annual Antique Show and Sale.

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Today, Club members assist with the maintenance of 14 pocket gardens in New London, offer an educational program to third graders at Kearsarge Regional Elementary School, and volunteer at the Garden at Tracy Library and the gardens at The Fells in Newbury, NH.  In early December, Club members decorate wreaths and swags for public buildings in New London. Members also make boxwood trees for sale to the public which are available in early December. Please see our Boxwood Trees page for more information and an order form in the Fall.

 

The Club's monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month and feature guest speakers. The topics are varied but always with the purpose of enriching knowledge of horticulture, floral and garden design, conservation and civic beauty. Members are welcome to bring a guest, and the public is encouraged to attend.

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